BI63, the last of JDAW’s stash. And the best of them. Red-brown, 40% opaque. Nose had mostly sugar, but also perhaps something like oats. Initially a mite too acidic, but that cured with time in glass. Though weak early evening, in time it gained red mature fruit and some length.
This should be decanted into a decanter, not a bottle. Air made this a pleasant mature port.
Slightly dirty nose, concentrated orange peel and nice rich cointreau finish. Felt like a nice port for a winter evening. Improved slightly with time in glass.
Exceeded my very low expectations by some margin - really rather drinkable *** (87-88)
Deep coloured core, a dark orange, approximately 30% opaque. Full of turkish delight and mushroom ketchup on the nose, with a tone of spearmint cutting through all this. Sweet on entry, with a sugary essence under a mid-palate of concentrated flavour, although this is lighter than most other 1963s. It lacks a little acidity to offer a good balance and is quite floral, with a long finish of dry rose hip syrup. Tasty and enjoyable. 86/100.
The point score ranked this port equal on points with the BBR 1970, which seems fair. They were different wines, enjoyable in different ways but bringing equal levels of enjoyment.
Top Ports in 2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
2025: Quevedo 1972 Colheita, b.2024. Just as good as Niepoort 1900!
